Product Overview: Cheetah3D
Cheetah3D is a robust and user-friendly 3D modeling, rendering, and animation software specifically designed for macOS. Developed from the ground up for Mac users, Cheetah3D is an ideal tool for both beginners and experienced artists looking to create stunning 3D artwork.
Key Features
Modeling
Cheetah3D offers a comprehensive set of modeling tools, including polygon, subdivision surface, and spline modeling. This allows artists to create complex models with ease, using features such as box modeling, subdivision surfaces, and Bézier curves. The software’s intuitive interface makes 3D modeling accessible and efficient for users of all skill levels.
Animation
The animation system in Cheetah3D is seamless and powerful, allowing for the animation of nearly every property of an object. It includes character rigging, skeletal deformations, morph targets, and spline-based camera paths. This functionality enables users to bring characters to life or create detailed architectural animations with ease.
Dynamics
Cheetah3D integrates the industrial-strength Bullet physics engine, enabling the simulation of rigid body and soft body dynamics. This feature allows users to simulate realistic scenarios, such as spilling marbles or waving flags, with just a few mouse clicks.
UV Editing and Texturing
The software includes a powerful UV editor combined with a node-based materials system. This allows users to paint and texture their models effectively, ensuring detailed and realistic finishes for their 3D creations.
Rendering
Cheetah3D boasts advanced rendering capabilities, including raytracing, global illumination, HDRI, caustics, and more. These features enable the production of stunning images and animations using sophisticated techniques like antialiasing, raytraced shadows, depth of field, and ambient occlusion.
Scripting
For advanced users, Cheetah3D offers a powerful Javascript API that allows for the extension of the software’s feature set. Users can create custom object types, file loaders, or tools to further enhance their workflow.
File Exchange
Cheetah3D supports a wide range of 3D file formats, including FBX, STL, 3DS, OBJ, DAE, and more. This allows for seamless integration with popular game engines like Unity and Unreal, as well as the ability to send artwork to 3D printing services. Images and animations can also be exported to various popular file types such as JPG, TIFF, PNG, and MOV.
Additional Benefits
- Ease of Use: Cheetah3D is known for its intuitive interface, making it easy for new users to learn and for experienced users to work efficiently.
- Performance: The software is lean and fast, ensuring smooth performance even on less powerful hardware.
- Compatibility: Cheetah3D is compatible with Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, etc.) and requires macOS 10.8.5 or later to run.
Licensing and Availability
Cheetah3D is available for purchase with a single user license priced at $79 US. A free demo version is also available, although it comes with the limitation of not being able to save or export models.
In summary, Cheetah3D is a versatile and powerful tool for 3D modeling, rendering, and animation on macOS, offering a blend of advanced features and an easy-to-use interface that makes it an excellent choice for both amateur and professional artists.